Ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate, is a compound formed by replacing the hydroxyl group in acetic acid with an ethyl group, with the structural formula CH₃COOCH₂CH₃. Pure ethyl acetate is a colorless, transparent liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, melting point: -83.6°C, boiling point: 77.06°C, relative density (water = 1): 0.894–0.898, relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.04.

It has a strong ether-like odor, a clear, slightly fruity wine-like aroma, is easily dispersed, and does not persist. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohols, ketones, ethers, chloroform, and most other organic solvents. Ethyl acetate is a widely used fine chemical product with excellent solubility and fast drying properties.

It is a very important organic chemical raw material and an excellent industrial solvent, widely used in the production of acetate fiber, ethyl fiber, chlorinated rubber, vinyl resin, acetate fiber resin, synthetic rubber, coatings, and paints.